The De'ang people

The De'ang used to be called Benglong in Chinese. In 1985, upon their request, the name was officially changed. They have but a small population and mainly live in compact communities in Luxi County and Lincang Prefecture in Yunnan Province, with a small number in Ruli, Longchuan and Lancang counties.

De'ang people do not pay great attention to diet. They mainly eat rice and consume meat only occasionally since they do not produce much. They have sufficient food, but scant variety in what they eat.

In the De'ang community the elderly command great respect. Each year during the Water-Splashing Festival, families prepare "tribute rice" for the elders. This custom calls for the young to express their respect by hosting a meal for the elders. The tradition has been handed down from generation to generation, aiming to inculcate the value of respect in young people.

In regard to clothing and accessories, especially headdress, De'ang people are unique. In the past men wore braids and a black-and-white kerchief. Women shaved their heads and wore a black kerchief until they got married, when they would let their hair grow out. Now, influenced by other ethnic groups, men no long grow their hair long and women no longer shave their heads.